Fang Xuanling's voice was filled with excitement.
With this invention, the circulation of goods among the populace would become much more convenient.
Furthermore, it could replace a large number of laborers, allowing the people to rest and recuperate fully.
The freed-up laborers could then be utilized to cultivate more land.
All of this could greatly enhance the nation's strength.
Li Shimin nodded continuously.
Indeed, these were aspects he hadn't considered before.
The officials behind them were also in constant discussion.
One hundred and fifty meters of railway track had been laid. Before the train had traveled halfway, Fang Er felt the speed picking up, reaching around thirty to forty yards per hour.
Fang Er quickly shut off the steam valve, cutting off the power supply.
This was the first test run, and they couldn't ascertain the deceleration and braking distance yet.
It was necessary to leave ample margin.
As expected.
The massive inertia, even after the power supply was cut, continued to propel the train forward at a wild pace.
Fang Er hastily pulled the brake handle.
The brake caliper instantly clamped down on the wheels.
Screeeech!
A grating sound of metal friction, accompanied by sparks, emanated from the wheels.
Even with the wheels completely locked and unable to rotate, it still slid for nearly fifty meters!
Looking at the end of the railway line, twenty meters away, Fang Er couldn't help but feel a chill of apprehension.
If this thing derailed, and the boiler was damaged, releasing the steam within.
It was likely that no one in the locomotive would survive.
As soon as the train came to a stable halt, Li Shimin led everyone to surround it.
They peered at it from all angles, their eyes darting around.
Some even attempted to climb onto the front of the train, trying to see what was inside the locomotive.
Upon seeing Fang Er emerge from the driver's cabin.
Li Shimin asked curiously.
Why did you stop?
Fang Er pointed to the railway track on the ground.
The train can only run on this track. As it was a test run, only this short section was laid.
The officials, upon hearing Fang Er's explanation, all looked down at the ground.
Indeed.
Their attention had been entirely focused on the train just moments before.
They hadn't paid attention to the gravel, the sleepers, or the tracks on the ground.
Wei Zheng touched the railway track and walked to its end.
He examined the cross-section of the track.
Then he returned and said to Li Shimin.
Your Majesty, this vehicle is indeed convenient, but I believe it is not suitable for adoption.
Before Li Shimin could speak.
Fang Er became displeased.
What is this old fellow trying to do?
Why is it that every time he opens his mouth, I feel a surge of anger?
He then looked at Wei Zheng with a hint of mockery and said.
Duke Wei, please state your reasons.
Oh, my apologies, Duke Wei, I misspoke. It should be Duke of Wei.
Wei Zheng's face turned crimson.
Ever since this brat called him Duke Wei last time, it had somehow spread.
Now, some officials who were not on good terms with him called him that behind his back.
And now, this brat, in front of all the officials, called him that again.
It was simply a grave insult.
Brat, if you make that mistake one more time, I swear eternal enmity with you!
Now listen to me carefully! I have three reasons!
First, you said this thing can only run on these tracks, and I saw just now that these tracks are made entirely of refined steel.
This would inevitably consume a large amount of steel, which is too wasteful. That's the first point!
Second, I also heard what Duke Fang said about accelerating the circulation of goods among the people.
This will lead to a large number of people engaging in speculation, buying low and selling high – this is ill-gotten wealth! kanshu5.xia
The wealth of the world is finite. In the end, it will all be siphoned off by these cunning scoundrels, endangering the national treasury!
Third, if, like artillery, this invention is learned by enemy nations, it will be a disaster for the Great Tang!
Therefore, Your Majesty, I suggest that we not only refrain from building railways and using this train but also destroy this train on the spot!
Fang Er chuckled.
He was amused to the point of anger.
He jumped off the train and, pointing his finger at Wei Zheng's nose, unleashed a torrent of verbal abuse.
Who the hell gave you the right!
And you're all "one, two, three, four"!
How can you be so amazing!
His relentless barrage nearly made Wei Zheng spit out a mouthful of blood.
Before he could retort, Fang Er continued.
You are a Duke, a former subject of the Crown Prince. His Majesty, recognizing your talent and integrity, appointed you to the court.
So! Now I will tell you a story and ask you a question. Listen carefully!
One day, a traveler took a string of coins to stay at an inn.
After checking in, the innkeeper used this string of coins to pay off his wine debt to the winery.
The winery owner then used that string of coins to pay for meat from the butcher.
The butcher used the string of coins to settle his bill at the brothel.
The madam of the brothel used the string of coins to pay off her debt at the pharmacy.
The doctor at the pharmacy then used the string of coins to repay the innkeeper the string of coins he had borrowed.
Afterward, the traveler was unhappy with the inn and checked out, taking his string of coins and leaving.
So, tell me, what was the purpose of this string of coins?
What problems are illustrated in this story?
Wei Zheng was utterly bewildered!
How could he possibly know this?
He was merely a Confucian official who dealt with classical texts.
Commerce had always been a lowly affair in his eyes.
How could he proactively seek to understand it?
His mouth opened and closed, but he couldn't utter a single word.
Not only him, but everyone present, except for Fang Xuanling, the magnate in charge of the empire's purse, who had grasped some of the implications.
The other officials looked utterly confused.
Even Li Shimin was the same.
Fang Xuanling looked at Wei Zheng with amusement. He could already foresee Wei Zheng's fate.
As expected.
Wei Zheng could not answer.
Fang Er gave him no quarter.
You, a dignified Duke, spend all your days with classical texts, claiming to be extraordinarily capable.
And now you can't even answer this question!
And you still have the audacity to speak of a finite amount of wealth in the world?
How dare you accept your substantial salary with a clear conscience?
Wei Zheng trembled under the reprimand, raising his hand and shakily pointing at Fang Er.
Fang Er immediately slapped away the pointing hand.
Furthermore!
Regarding the matter of the railway tracks, whether to use them or not, how to use them, and who will pay for their construction, you haven't even discussed it, yet you stand here claiming it's a waste of labor and a financial burden?
Your third point is even more ridiculous!
You've already presented your first two points, clearly indicating that in your view, this train and its tracks are a menace.
If that's the case, why are you afraid of others learning it?
Could it be that you are colluding with foreign enemies and fear they might suffer a disadvantage!
Finally.
Wei Zheng could no longer contain his anger.
Gasp!
A salty taste flooded his throat, and he spat out a mouthful of fresh blood!
He collapsed onto the ground, completely incapacitated.
It was unclear whether he had fainted for real or was feigning unconsciousness.